Ever wanted to be famous? If so, it’s time to hone your elevator pitch and get on your social media platform of choice. Audi is asking people to “submit their personal stories of creativity, ingenuity and courage on Twitter, Instagram or any other social media platform using the hashtag #PaidMyDues.” A diverse set of comedians, musicians, artists, chefs and others will then choose from your stories and interpret them live during a special webcast this Wednesday.
It’s short notice, we know, but apparently the announcement went out on April 29 when we were doing very important things, we’re sure. In any case, Audi is looking for a lot of stories as the webcast will take place over six hours from 2 p.m. – 8 p.m. EST on May 7. The webcast will be hosted by comedian Nikki Glaser and held at Santa Monica Airport’s Hangar 8.
That’s plenty of time for everyone, so by all means, get your thumbs uploading whatever your story is on whatever social network you prefer. As long as you tag it #PaidMyDues, Audi will be able to find it and give it consideration.
How should you present your story? That’s up to you. The themes that Audi seems to be striving for are overcoming odds, acquiring a skill, creating something, achieving something, feeling personal success, and utilizing resourcefulness. Pretty broad. The good news then is that you have a free hand to interpret this opportunity you wish. Because the creative artists enlisted will then further reinterpret it, you don’t have to worry too much about presentation. The important thing is to convey your story.
The #PaidMyDues campaign is tied to the new A3 sedan, and its goal of achieving success without compromise. You can get more information about the event, including how to watch it, here. Below is a list of some of the artists signed up to date, as well as a teaser video for the event. Good luck!
#PaidMyDues creators include:
Money Mark – songwriter, musician, and producer
Oddisee – freestyle rapper and producer
Ben Landis – electronic chiptune songwriter
Upright Citizens Brigade Touring Company – improvisation and stand-up comedy troupe
MADSTEEZ – graffiti artist
Church of Type – hand-carved letterpress illustrators
Red Medicine – award-winning chef Jordan Kahn
Jim Mahfood – comic book creator and artist
Sumi Ink Club – pen & ink collaborative art collective
Gui Marcondes – filmmaker and director
Oh Yeah Wow – animators and filmmakers
MachineHistories – engineering and technology creators
Lisa Hanawalt – illustrator and comic artist
Alex Turvey – designer, filmmaker, and one of London’s top fashion creatives
Dam-Funk – modern soul and electro-funk DJ